What is a Vulnerable Sector Search?

This question is answered in great detail by the RCMP. Their definition of a vulnerable sector search is as follows:

“A vulnerable sector check is an enhanced criminal record check. This type of record check was created in 2000 to protect children and vulnerable persons and is governed by section 6.3(3) of the Criminal Records Act. Policies and procedures related to vulnerable sector checks can be found in the Dissemination of Criminal Record Information policy and the Ministerial Directive Concerning the Release of Criminal Record Information by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.”

Vulnerable sector checks are used to verify if an individual has a Record Suspension (formerly Pardon) for sex offenses. They also include checks of national databases maintained by the RCMP and local police records where the applicant lives.

For more frequently asked questions about a vulnerable sector search, go to the RCMP website here: